Research Associate II, Molecular Biology

Mesa Laboratories, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

HSA

FSA

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Vacation time

Sick leave

Caregiver leave

401(k) with match

Wellness resources

Holidays

Job summary

Mesa Laboratories, Inc. in San Diego is seeking a Research Associate II, Molecular Biology to perform a range of laboratory procedures in support of technology development, product research, and process improvement.

The role executes established protocols, contributes to assay development, supports data collection and analysis, and collaborates with scientists and cross-functional partners under general supervision.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in molecular biology or related field or equivalent experience.
• Experience with cloning, PCR, sequencing and protein expression.
• Strong documentation and data interpretation skills.
• Ability to work both independently and with a team.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular biology experiments using established protocols.
• Contribute to assay development and optimization.
• Collect and summarize experimental data for reports.
• Maintain notebooks and adhere to GLP and safety standards.
• Collaborate with R&D and cross-functional teams.

Skills

Molecular biology

PCR

Cloning

Data analysis

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

BS in Molecular Biology

Tools

Sequencing

DNA/RNA extraction

Recombinant protein expression

Job description

Description

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference? At Mesa Labs we're passionate about protecting the vulnerable by enabling scientific breakthroughs, ensuring product integrity, increasing patient and worker safety, and improving quality of life around the world.

At Mesa Labs we offer competitive wages, including bonus opportunity, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Base Compensation Range: $ $33.8942 to $42.4279 USD

This position is eligible for an annual 10% bonus opportunity in addition to the base salary

Outstanding Benefits and Perks:

We are proud to offer a variety of benefits that meet the diverse needs of our employees:

• Eligible for benefits the first day of the month after you start


• Tiered Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance options


• Health savings (HSA), healthcare & dependent care flexible spending (FSA) accounts


• Company paid short term and long-term disability (unless covered by a state disability plan)


• Company paid life insurance and AD&D


• 3 weeks of accrued vacation time; accruals begin on Day 1


• Paid sick leave of 48 hours per calendar year


• Eligible employees may receive four (4) weeks paid Care Giver leave after 1 year of service or in accordance with state leave laws


• 401(k) plan that provides a 4% Safe Harbor company match on a 4% employee contribution that begins on Day 1


• Employee Wellness and Financial Assistance Resources through Cigna and NY Life


• Nine (9) paid company holidays per year


• Overtime opportunities

Agena: Agena Bioscience empowers research laboratories worldwide to deliver scalable targeted

genomic data. Our open, advanced platform, the Mass ARRAY System, provides researchers with

insights through a highly multiplexed solution in the areas of mutation profiling, liquid biopsy, pharmacogenetics, and more.

Job Summary:

The Research Associate II, Molecular Biology performs a range of molecular biology laboratory procedures in support of technology development, product research, and process improvement initiatives. This role executes established experimental protocols, contributes to assay development and optimization, and supports data collection and analysis under general supervision. The incumbent applies working knowledge of molecular biology principles, follows defined research plans, and collaborates effectively with scientists and cross-functional partners.

Duties / Responsibilities

Experimental Execution and Support

• Performs molecular biology experiments using established protocols, including cloning, PCR, sequencing, and recombinant protein expression and purification.


• Assists in the development, optimization, and validation of molecular biology protocols and assays for DNA/RNA manipulation and expression systems.


• Conducts routine transcription profiling, hybridization assays, or array-based analyses as assigned.


• Executes experiments with attention to detail and reproducibility, escalating issues and deviations as needed.


• Data Collection and Documentation


• Collects, compiles, and summarizes experimental data for review by senior scientists.


• Maintains accurate and complete laboratory notebooks and electronic records in accordance with company standards.


• Assists in preparing technical summaries, data tables, and figures for internal reports and presentations.


• Participates in team data reviews and contributes observations and insights.

Collaboration and Project Support

• Works closely with R&D scientists and project team members to support research and development activities.


• Follows project plans and timelines, contributing to assigned tasks and milestones.


• Supports troubleshooting efforts by executing directed experiments and documenting outcomes.


• Shares technical knowledge and best practices within the laboratory team.

Laboratory Operations and Compliance

• Maintains laboratory equipment, instruments, and work areas in accordance with safety, quality, and GLP requirements.


• Adheres to established protocols, SOPs, and biosafety guidelines.


• Ensures proper handling, storage, and disposal of biological materials and reagents.


• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to laboratory efficiency, organization, and safety.

Continuous Learning

• Builds technical expertise in molecular biology techniques and laboratory practices.


• Stays informed of relevant methodologies and tools through training and on-the-job learning.


• Seeks feedback to improve experimental execution and scientific understanding.

Experience / Education

Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field.

0-2 years of relevant laboratory experience.

Knowledge & Skillsets Required

• Working knowledge of molecular cloning, PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, sequencing, and recombinant protein expression.


• Familiarity with assay execution, protocol adherence, and basic troubleshooting techniques.


• Ability to accurately document experimental procedures and results.


• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.


• Effective written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks while collaborating within a team environment.


• Commitment to quality, safety, and compliance in laboratory operations.

Mesa Labs is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Mesa Labs prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment against applicants or employees based on age, race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, disability, military status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law. Please note that Mesa Labs conducts criminal background checks upon offer acceptance.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.